Ceiling tile unit and a method for forming a ceiling tile unit

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, and the surface layer is arranged on said front side of said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tile body section. Said guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of said groove. The invention further relates to a method for forming a ceiling tile unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit and a method forforming such a ceiling tile unit. The ceiling tile unit comprises agroove and a guide adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of afirst tile body section in relation to a second tile body section.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Suspended ceilings can be installed in many different types of buildingsfor various reasons, for example to absorb sound, to reflect light, tolower the ceiling height or to conceal installations such as cablearrangements, ventilation equipment, lighting installations and otherdevices arranged in the space between the suspended ceiling and theceiling structure of a building.

Suspended ceilings often comprise tiles and a supporting structure. Thesupporting structure normally comprises supporting profiles, which arearranged in a grid defining compartments for individual tiles or groupsof tiles. The tiles may have sound-absorbing and/or sound-insulationproperties in order to improve the acoustic environment of the room. Inorder to obtain a relatively lightweight ceiling with satisfactory soundabsorption, the tiles, for instance, may be made of a compressed fibrematerial such as mineral wool. The tiles may also be made of gypsum.

Sometime it is desirable to create a smooth transition between differentlevels of the suspended ceiling, for example to accommodate variousinstallations such as ventilation equipment in the ceiling void, or toachieve a special effect of the suspended ceiling. It may also bedesirable to create a smooth transition between a wall and the suspendedceiling or to create a special curvature of the suspended ceiling.

In order to hide for example a ventilation tube, plasterboards and afiller material may be used to visually cover the ventilation tube. Thistask is time-consuming and the result may not match the visualimpression of the rest of the suspended ceiling.

Alternatively, there is provided ceiling tiles being pre-formed to aspecific curvature for this purpose. These tiles, especially tiles madeof a mineral fibre material, are pressed to a specific shape andcurvature. These tiles may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding toa segment of a circle, or be essentially S-shaped or L-shaped incross-section. Common for these tiles is that they have a large radiusof curvature and a large portion of the tile is curved, which may not bedesirable from an architectural or aesthetical point of view. Further,compared to the cost of a conventional ceiling tile, a pre-formed curvedceiling tile is considerably more expensive.

Since the tiles are formed and pressed to the desired shape duringmanufacture, they are also space requiring during transport anddistribution.

As an alternative, there is provided ceiling tiles having a glass woolcore being bendable to a desired shape when mounting the tile to thesupport structure. Similar to ceiling tiles of the type described above,these ceiling tiles are only bendable to a large radius of curvature. Inaddition, these ceiling tiles must be attached to the support profile byclips. In order to maintain the desired shape of the profile, a clipmust be fixed at every 100-300 mm depending of the radius of curvature,which is a time-consuming task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ceiling tile unitand a method for forming such a ceiling tile unit which facilitateforming of an inclined tile unit. A further object is to provide aceiling tile unit which enables forming of small radius of curvature andwhich enables efficient transportation and distribution of the tileunit.

This and other objects and advantages that will be apparent from thedescription have been achieved by a ceiling tile unit comprising a tilebody made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide. Thetile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge. Thesurface layer is arranged on said front side of said tile body. A grooveis provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile bodyinto a first tile body section and a second tile body section. The guideis adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tilebody section in relation to said second tile body section by foldingabout an axis parallel to the longitudinal extension said groove.

With a ceiling tile unit is meant a set comprising the tile body, thesurface layer and the guide. The guide may be provided separately fromthe tile body, or may be provided together with the tile body.

An advantage of the present invention is that the tile unit can bedelivered and transported in a flat state. Thereby, the tile unitrequires no extra space during transportation compared to a conventionalflat tile. Since the tile unit may be transported in a flat state, therisk for damages caused by the transport is reduced. Not until the tileunit is to be mounted in a specific room the first tile body section isinclined about the axis in relation to the second tile body.

The guide is adapted to guide the position and direction of the foldingbetween the first and second tile body portions and to relieve theforces affecting the surface layer when inclining the second tile bodyportion in relation to the first tile body portion. Furthermore, theguide strengthens the transition between the first and second tile bodysections and improves the impact resistance of the transition.

Since the groove may be arranged at any position on the tile body, thetile unit offers great flexibility. By varying the position and shape ofthe groove, a ceiling tile unit having a shape and inclination adjustedto accommodate a specific detail of a room may be formed. The architect,for example, is free to create a specific shape of the tile unit withouthaving to select between a limited numbers of pre-formed tiles. Theflexibility includes varying the angle of inclination, the position ofthe groove, the number and relative positions of the inclinations, theradius of curvature etc.

Another advantage compared to a pre-formed ceiling tile having a largeradius of curvature is that a horizontal portion of the suspendedceiling may extend from any position along the extension of the firsttile body portion. It is not necessary that the horizontal portion ofthe suspended ceiling starts at the end of the first tile body portion.Thereby, the level of the horizontal portion of the suspended ceiling isvariable.

A further advantage is that it is possible to obtain a small radius ofcurvature when forming the inclination between the first and second tilebody sections. The transition between the first and second tile bodysections may be restricted to a small area. It is thus possible toobtain a distinct transition between the first and second tile bodysections.

It is to be understood that the groove may be formed in connection withthe manufacturing of the tile body, or may be formed just beforemounting the tile unit. If the groove is formed on the building site,adjustments to the specific room are possible by varying the number ofgrooves and the position of the groove or grooves.

Mounting a ceiling tile unit according to the present invention is easyand fast compared to the prior art solutions. When the groove and guideare provided, the tile unit is ready to be mounted and no additionalstep is required.

An inclined tile unit according to the present invention requires noclips in order to maintain its shape and inclination. Once inclined andsuspended by a supporting structure, the tile unit will maintain itsshape. Thereby, the time-consuming task of attaching clips at certaindistance from each other along the edge of the tile unit is avoided. Thetile unit is comparably more stable and the risk that the tile unitbecomes damaged by an object making contact with the tile unit isreduced. Since no clips are required, the tile unit is easilydemountable.

Compared to a pre-formed ceiling tile, a ceiling tile unit according thepresent invention is less expensive since it is formed from aconventional ceiling tile body.

The guide may comprise a crease formed in said surface layer. The creasesuch as a crease line reduces the risk that the surface layer cracks orsplits when the first tile body section is inclined in relation to thesecond tile body section. Thereby, folding the first tile body inrelation to the second tile body is facilitated and the visualimpression of the folding is improved. Further, the crease forms adistinct transition between the first and second tile body sections. Thecrease may be formed by means of a knife or by means of a toolcompressing a portion of the surface layer. The crease may be formedjust before mounting the tile unit, thereby allowing flexibility.Alternatively, the crease may be formed in connection to themanufacturing of the tile body.

The guide may comprise a guide body of a compressible material, theguide body being adapted to be arranged in the groove. The guide body ofthe compressible material forms guidance for folding and a smoothtransition between the first and second tile body sections. Further, theguide body protects and strengthens the surface layer in the transitionbetween the first and second tile body sections.

The guide may comprise a profile insertable in said groove. The profilereduces the risk that the surface layer cracks or splits when the firsttile body section is inclined in relation to the second tile bodysection. Furthermore, the profile improves the strength and rigidity ofthe folded portion of the tile unit. The risk is reduced that the tileunit is damaged if an object hits the folded portion.

Additionally, by varying the cross-sectional shape of the profile,different radius of curvature and shapes of the transition between thefirst and second tile body sections are obtainable.

It is to be understood that the profile may be provided in the samepackage as the tile body or may be provided separately. Nevertheless,the profile, the tile body and the surface layer form a ceiling tileunit irrespectively if they are provided in the same package or not.

The profile may be used in combination with a crease. Depending of thedesired radius of curvature and properties of surface layer, it may beadvantageous to form a crease line and insert a profile in the groove.

The profile may at least be partially enclosed by the tile body wheninserted in said groove and when the first tile body section is inclinedin relation to the second tile body section. Thereby, the profile cannotbe separated from the tile unit when being mounted.

The profile may form part of a supporting grid for supporting said tilebody. Thereby, the tile unit is supported by the profile also used toform the guide. Consequently, it is possible to suspend the profile tothe soffit or as a part of the supporting grid and then arrange the tileunit about the profile.

The surface layer may comprise a layer of paint. The front surface ofthe ceiling tile body adapted to be faced towards the interior of a roomis usually coated by a layer of paint. Further, the surface layer may beair-permeable.

The groove may have a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tilebody. Thereby, folding of the first tile body in relation to the secondtile body is further facilitated since the material of the tile body isremoved in this portion.

The ceiling tile unit may further comprise an angle bar for locking thefirst tile body section in relation to the second tile body section inan inclined position. The angle bar secures the tile unit in itsinclined position. The angle bar may also be used to attach two adjacenttile units to each other.

As an alternative, the profile may comprise protrusions forming theangle bar.

The ceiling tile unit may further comprise an additional groove providedin said rear side of said tile body, said groove and said additionalgroove dividing said tile body into said first tile body section, saidsecond tile body section and a third tile body section, and wherein anadditional guide may adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination ofsaid third tile body section in relation to said first tile body sectionby folding about an axis being parallel to said additional groove.Thereby, a Z-shaped tile unit may be formed, or part of box may beformed. Forming more than one groove and guide allows further adaptationto the architecture of a specific room.

The groove may have a square cross section and may have a widthcorresponding to a thickness of the tile body. When the first tile bodysection is inclined in relation the second tile body section, thesurface layer covers a side edge of the second tile body section.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a suspended ceilingcomprising at least one ceiling tile unit of the above described type isprovided. The suspended ceiling incorporates all the advantages of theinventive ceiling tile unit, which previously has been discussed.Thereby, the previous discussion is applicable also for the inventivesuspended ceiling.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for forming aceiling tile unit is provided. The method comprises:

providing a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineralfibre material and a surface layer, said tile body having a front side,a rear side and at least one side edge, and said surface layer beingarranged on said front side of said tile body,

forming a groove in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tilebody into a first tile body section and a second tile body section,

providing a guide adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination ofsaid first tile body section in relation to said second tile bodysection by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal extensionof said groove.

The method incorporates all the advantages of the inventive ceiling tileunit, which previously has been discussed. Thereby, the previousdiscussion is applicable also for the inventive method. In addition tothe advantages already discussed, the method is advantageous since thestep of forming the groove may be performed both in connection with themanufacturing of the tile body or just before the tile unit is to bemounted in a building, thereby offering flexibility and adjustmentpossibilities. The guide may be provided as a part of the tile body ormay be provided as a separate part which is to be arranged in the tilebody before the first tile body section is to be inclined in relation tothe second tile body section.

The method may further comprise inclining said first tile body sectionin relation to said second tile body section about said axis. The stepof inclining the first tile body section in relation to the second tilebody section may be performed separately from the forming of tile unit.During distribution, the tile unit is in its flat and unfolded state,but when mounting the tile unit, the tile unit is inclined.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitlydefined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device,component, means, etc]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to atleast one instance of said element, device, component, means, etc.,unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosedherein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unlessexplicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention, will be better understood through the followingillustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of thepresent invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where thesame reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a suspended ceiling in twodifferent levels.

FIG. 2 a shows a schematic side view of a ceiling tile unit according toa first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 c shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIGS. 2 a-b when the tile unit is inclined.

FIG. 3 a shows a schematic side view of a ceiling tile unit according toa second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3 c shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIGS. 3 a-b when the tile unit is inclined.

FIG. 4 a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile unitaccording to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 4 a when the tile unit is inclined.

FIG. 4 c shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 4 a including an alternative embodiment of the profile.

FIG. 4 d shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 4 a including an alternative embodiment of the profile.

FIG. 5 a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile unitaccording to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 5 a when the tile unit is inclined.

FIG. 6 a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile unitaccording to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 6 a when the tile unit is inclined.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile unit beinginclined twice.

FIG. 8 a shows schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile unit forforming part of a box.

FIG. 8 b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling tile unit inFIG. 8 a when being inclined.

FIG. 9 a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile unitaccording to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b shows the ceiling tile unit in FIG. 9 a when the surface layerhas been folded.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the ceiling tile unit.

FIG. 11 a shows a further alternative embodiment of the ceiling tileunit.

FIG. 11 b shows the ceiling tile unit in FIG. 11 a when inclined.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A suspended ceiling 1 comprising ceiling tile units 10 according to thepresent invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1. Thesuspended ceiling 1 comprises at least one ceiling tile unit 2, 10 and asupporting system, for example in form of a supporting grid, supportingthe ceiling tile units 2, 10 comprising at least one profile 3, 4. Inthe shown embodiment, the supporting grid is formed of main profiles 4and transverse profiles 3. The shown suspended ceiling comprises ceilingtiles of two types, conventional ceiling tile units 2 and ceiling tileunits 10 according to the present invention. As the ceiling tile units10 according to the present invention are inclined, the suspendedceiling 1 forms two horizontal levels being connected by the ceilingtile units 10 according to the present invention. The ceiling tile units10 comprise in the shown embodiment both a horizontally extendingsection and a vertically extending portion.

Common for embodiments is that the ceiling tile unit 10 may be a soundabsorber having sound absorbing properties and/or a sound insulationelement having sound insulation properties.

A ceiling tile unit 10 according to the present invention will now bedescribed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-9. With reference toFIG. 2 a-2 c, a first embodiment of a ceiling tile unit 10 will bedescribed. The tile unit 10 comprises a tile body 11 and a surface layer12. The tile body 11 has a rear side 15, a front side 16 and four sideedges 17, 18, 19, 20. The front side 16 is adapted to be facing theinterior of the room when the tile unit 10 is mounted. The rear side 15is adapted to be facing the soffit or ceiling structure of the buildingwhen the tile unit 10 is mounted. Even if a rectangular tile body isshown, the tile body may have any other shape such as circular,elliptic, irregular shaped etc.

Common for all embodiments is that the tile body 11 comprises a mineralfibre material. The mineral fibre material may be a compressed mineralfibre material, or more specifically a man-made mineral fibre material.The mineral fibre material may be mineral wool. More specifically, themineral fibre material may be glass wool. In addition to mineral fibres,the material may comprise for example binders.

The surface layer 12 is arranged on the front side 16 of the tile body11. The surface layer 12 may for example be a layer of paint.

A groove 13 is formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body 11. Thegroove 13 has a linear extension and is extending between two sideedges, 18, 20 of the tile body 11. The position of the groove 13 may bevaried. In this embodiment, the groove 13 is essentially V-shaped incross-section. The groove 13 divides the tile body 11 into a first tilebody section 11 a and a second tile body section 11 b. By varying theposition of the groove 13, the relative size between the first andsecond tile body sections 11 a, 11 b may be varied. It is not necessaryfor the invention that the first and second tile body sections 11 a, 11b have an equal size and/or shape.

Preferably, the groove 13 has a linear extension.

A guide 14 is provided in the surface layer 12. The guide 14 is adaptedto form a fold guidance for inclination of the first tile body section11 a in relation to the second tile body section 11 b by folding aboutan axis A being parallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13.In this embodiment the guide 14 is provided in form of a crease 22. Thecrease or crease line 22 provides an indication or a weakening of thesurface layer 12 about which the first tile body section 11 a may beinclined in relation to the second tile body section 11 b. The crease 22forms a distinct transition between the first and section tile bodysections 11 a, 11 b. The crease 22 is arranged in the surface layer 12.Preferably, the crease 22 is arranged in a side of the surface layer 12facing the tile body 11.

In FIGS. 2 a-b, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape, i.e. whenthe first tile body section 11 a has an extension in the same plane asthe second tile body section 11 b. In FIG. 2 c, the tile unit 10 hasbeen inclined. The first tile body section 11 a has been inclined inrelation to the second tile body section 11 b about the axis A parallelto the longitudinal extension of the groove 13. In this embodiment, thefirst tile body section 11 a is extending upwardly from the second tilebody section 11 b. The angle of inclination may be varied. The angle ofinclination may be varied by varying the cross-sectional shape of thegroove.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 3 a-c. The tile unit 10 comprises a tile body 11, asurface layer 12, a groove 13 and a guide 14 as previously has beendescribed with reference to FIGS. 2 a-c. The tile unit 10 shown in FIGS.3 a-c only differs from the tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 2 a-c regardingthe cross-sectional shape of the groove 13. As previously described, thegroove 13 is formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body 11 and has alinear extension extending between two side edges 18, 20 of the tilebody 11. In this embodiment, the groove 13 is in form of a slit having asmall widthwise extension. The guide 14 is provided in the surface layer12 in form of a crease 22. The guide 14 is adapted to form a foldguidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11 a in relationto the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the axis A beingparallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13.

In FIGS. 3 a-b, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape, i.e. whenthe first tile body section 11 a has an extension in the same plane asthe second tile body section 11 b. In FIG. 3 c, the tile unit 10 hasbeen inclined. The first tile body section 11 a has been inclined inrelation to the second tile body section 11 b about the axis A parallelto the longitudinal extension of the groove 13. In this embodiment, thefirst tile body section 11 a is extending downwardly from the secondtile body section 11 b. The angle of inclination may be varied.

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 4 a-c. The tile unit 10 comprises a tile body 11, asurface layer 12 and a groove 13 as previously has been described withreference to FIGS. 2 a-c. The tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 4 a-b differsfrom the tile unit 10 previously described with regard to thecross-sectional shape of the groove 13 and the form of the guide 14. Aspreviously described, the groove 13 is formed in the rear side 15 of thetile body 11 and has a linear extension extending between two side edges18, 20 of the tile body 11. In this embodiment, the groove 13 has aV-shaped cross-section which narrow end transforms into a semi-circularshape in cross-section.

In this embodiment, the guide 14 is in form of a profile 21. The profileis arranged in the groove 13 and is extending in a direction beingparallel to the longitudinal direction of the groove 13. The profile 21has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the radius of the profile 21is smaller than the radius of the semi-circular end section of thegroove 13. The length of the profile 21 may equal the length of thegroove 13. Alternatively, the length of the profile 21 may exceed thelength of the groove 13. In this case, one profile 21 may extend acrossmore than one tile unit 10, and thereby forms a guide 14 for more thanone tile unit 10. The profile 21 may also be used to attach tile units10 to each other in order to form a row as shown in FIG. 1.

The guide 14, in form of the profile 21, is adapted to form a foldguidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11 a in relationto the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the axis A beingparallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13. In thisembodiment, the first tile body section 11 a is inclined in relation tothe second tile body section 11 b by folding about the profile 21.

In FIG. 4 a, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape, i.e. when thefirst tile body section 11 a has an extension in the same plane as thesecond tile body section 11 b. In FIG. 4 b, the tile unit 10 has beeninclined. The first tile body section 11 a has been inclined in relationto the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the profile 21. Inthis embodiment, the first tile body section 11 a is extending upwardlyfrom the second tile body section 11 b. The angle of inclination may bevaried, for example by varying the dimensions of the groove 13.

The cross-section and dimensions of the profile 21 may be varied inorder to vary the radius of curvature of the transition between thefirst and second tile body sections 11 a, 11 b. The larger radius of theprofile 21, the larger radius of curvature of the transition.

When the first tile body section 11 a has been inclined in relation tothe second tile body portion 11 b, the profile 21 is at least partiallyenclosed by the tile body 11.

In FIG. 4 b, an angle bar 30 is arranged in grooves 31 arranged in theside edge 18 of the tile body 11. The angle bar 30 locks the tile unit10 in its inclined position, i.e. the angle bar 30 locks the first tilebody section 11 a in a specific angle in relation to the second tilebody section 11 b. The angle bar 30 may also be used to attach the tileunit 10 to an adjacent tile unit for forming a row of tile units asshown in FIG. 1. Even if the angle bar 30 is shown in connection withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 4 b, it is to be understood that the anglebar 30 may be used in connection to any other embodiment of theinventive tile unit.

In FIG. 4 c, an alternative embodiment of the profile 21 is shown. Inall other aspects, the tile unit 10 corresponds to the tile unit 10shown in FIGS. 4 a-b. The profile 21 comprises in this embodimentprotrusions 32 which protrude from the profile 21. The protrusions 32are inserted into grooves 31 arranged in the first and second tile bodysections 11 a, 11 b. The protrusions form an angle bar 30. Theprotrusions 32 have the same function as the angle bar described inconnection to FIG. 4 b, i.e. to lock the first tile body section 11 a ina specific angle in relation to the second tile body section 11 b. Evenif this embodiment of the profile 21 is shown in connection to theembodiment shown in FIG. 4 c, it may be used in connection to any otherembodiment of the tile unit 10.

When inclining a ceiling tile unit 10 including the profile 21 describedabove, the first tile body section 11 a is inclined in relation to thesecond tile body section 11 b before the profile 21 is arranged in thegroove 13. Thereafter, the profile 21 is arranged in the grooves 13, 31by inserting the profile from the side edge of the tile body when theangle between the first and second tile body sections 11 a, 11 bcorresponds to the angle between the protrusions 32 of the profile 21.If the profile 21 comprises protrusions 32 at both ends (as shown inFIG. 4 c), the groove 31 is extending from one side edge of the tilebody to the opposite side edge.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 d, the tile unit 10 may be suspendedto an overlying structure by means of the profile 21. In thisembodiment, the profile 21 is enclosed by the tile body 11 when the tileunit 10 is in its inclined position. The tile unit 10 may therefore besupported by the profile 21 when the tile unit 10 is maintained in itsinclined position by the fact that it is supported by profiles 3, 4forming a part of the supporting grid. The profile 21 comprises in thisembodiment protrusions 23 adapted to be attached to hangers. The profile21 may also comprise protrusions (not shown) adapted to engage with thetile body 11. When mounting the tile units 10, a plurality of profiles21 are attached to the hangers. Alternatively, a profile 21 extendingacross more than one tile unit 10 is attached to the hangers. The tileunits 10 are then folded about the profile/profiles 21 already beingsuspended. Alternatively, the tile unit 20 is inclined about the profile21 before being mounted, and the profile 21 is then connected to thehangers.

Even if the profile 21 described above is described in connection to theembodiment shown in FIG. 4 d, it is to be understood that the profileadapted to be suspended to the hangers may be used in connection withany other embodiment of the inventive tile unit.

A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 a-b.The tile unit 10 comprises a tile body 11, a surface layer 12, a groove13 and a guide 14 in form of a profile 21 as previously has beendescribed with reference to FIGS. 4 a-c. The tile unit 10 shown in FIGS.5 a-b differs from the tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 4 a-c with regard tothe cross-sectional shape of the groove 13 and the shape of the profile21. As previously described, the groove 13 is formed in the rear side 15of the tile body 11 and has a linear extension extending between twoside edges 18, 20 of the tile body 11. In this embodiment, the groove 13has a V-shaped cross-section which narrow end transforms into arectangular cross-section.

In this embodiment, the guide 14 is in form of a profile 21. The profile21 is arranged in the groove 13 and is extending in a direction beingparallel to the longitudinal direction of the groove 13. The profile 21has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the size of the profile 21is smaller than the size of the rectangular end section of the groove13. The length of the profile 21 may equal the length of the groove 13.Alternatively, the length of the profile 21 may exceed the length of thegroove 13. In this case, one profile 21 may extend across more than onetile unit 10, and thereby forms a guide 14 for more than one tile unit10. The profile 21 may also be used to attach tile units 10 to eachother in order to form a row as shown in FIG. 1.

The guide 14, in form of the profile 21, is adapted to form a foldguidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11 a in relationto the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the axis A beingparallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13. In thisembodiment, the first tile body section 11 a is inclined in relation tothe second tile body section 11 b by folding about the profile 21.

In FIG. 5 a, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape, i.e. when thefirst tile body section 11 a has an extension in the same plane as thesecond tile body section 11 b. In FIG. 5 a, the tile unit 10 has beeninclined. The first tile body section 11 a has been inclined in relationto the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the profile 21. Inthis embodiment, the first tile body section 11 a is extending upwardlyfrom the second tile body section 11 b. The angle of inclination may bevaried, for example by varying the shape and position of the groove 13.

The cross-section and dimensions of the profile 21 may be varied inorder to vary the transition between the first and second tile bodysections 11 a, 11 b. Depending of the properties of the surface layer12, it may be advantageous to combine the profile 21 with a crease 22.

When the first tile body section 11 a has been inclined in relation tothe second tile body portion 11 b, the profile 21 is at least partiallyenclosed by the tile body 11, thus allowing the tile unit 10 to besuspended by means of the profile 21.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 6 a-b. As previously has been described, for examplewith reference to FIGS. 2 a-c, the tile unit 10 comprises a tile body11, a surface layer 12, a groove 13 and a guide 14. The tile unit 10shown in FIGS. 6 a-b differs from the tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 2 a-cwith regard to the cross-sectional shape of the groove 13. As previouslydescribed, the groove 13 is formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body11 and has a linear extension extending between two side edges 18, 20 ofthe tile body 11. In this embodiment, the groove 13 has a rectangularcross section. Further, in this embodiment the depth of groove 13 equalsthe thickness of the tile body 11.

The guide 14 is provided in the surface layer 12 in form of a crease 22.The crease or crease line 22 is arranged in a side of the surface layer12 facing the tile body 11. The crease 22 in the groove 13 adjacent thetile body 11. The guide 14 in form of the crease 22 is adapted to form afold guidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11 a inrelation to the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the axisA being parallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13.

In FIG. 6 a, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape, i.e. when thefirst tile body section 11 a has an extension in the same plane as thesecond tile body section 11 b. In FIG. 6 b, the tile unit 10 has beeninclined. The first tile body section 11 a has been inclined in relationto the second tile body section 11 b by folding about the crease 22. Inthis embodiment, the first tile body section 11 a is extending in adirection being essentially perpendicular to the extension of the secondtile body section 11 b. Thereby, a side edge 24 of the second tile bodysection 11 b formed by the groove 13 is covered by the surface layer 12.

In one embodiment (not shown), the groove has a rectangularcross-section as described above, but the width of the groove 13 istwice the height of tile body 11. A first guide is provided in thesurface layer 12 in the groove 13 adjacent the first tile body section11 a in form of a first crease. A second guide is provided in thesurface layer 12 in the groove 13 adjacent the second tile body section11 b in form of a second crease. Thereby, the first tile body section 11a may be folded about the first crease. The second tile body section 11b may be folded about the second crease. The first and second tile bodysections 11 a, 11 b may be inclined towards each other such that theyextend in the same direction. Thus, a ceiling tile unit 10 having athickness twice the original thickness of the tile body is formed. Aside edge of the first and second tile body sections 11 a, 11 b iscovered by the surface layer 12 in the inclined state of the tile unit10.

A ceiling tile unit 10 being inclined twice will now be described withreference to FIG. 7. As previously described, the tile unit 10 comprisesa tile body 11 and a surface layer 12. A first groove 13 a and a secondgroove 13 b are provided in the rear side of the tile body 11. The firstgroove 13 a divides the tile body 11 into a first tile body section 11 aand second tile body section 11 b. The second groove 13 b divides thetile body 11 into the first tile body section 11 a and a third tile bodysection 11 c. A first guide 14 a is adapted to form a fold guidance forinclination of the first tile body section 11 a in relation to thesecond tile body section 11 b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, thefirst guide 14 a is in form of a crease 22 a. A second guide 14 b isadapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of the third tile bodysection 11 c in relation to the first tile body section 11 a. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second guide 14 b is in form of a crease22 b. Alternatively, the first and/or second guide 14 a, 14 b mayinstead comprise a profile insertable in the groove 13 a, 13 b. Acombination is also possible, wherein the first guide 14 a comprises aprofile and the second guide 14 b comprises a crease 22 b, or viceversa.

FIG. 7 shows the tile unit 10 when the first tile body section 11 a hasbeen inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11 b, and thethird tile body section 11 c has been inclined in relation to the firsttile body section 11 a. Thereby, a ceiling tile unit 10 having two tilebody sections 11 b, 11 c extending in a horizontal direction and onetile body section 11 a extending in an inclined direction is provided.

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 8 a-b. In FIG. 8 a, a ceiling tile unit 10 adapted toform a box is shown. In FIG. 8 a, a portion of the tile unit disclosingthe grooves is shown in more detail, but in FIG. 8 b the complete tileunit 10 is shown. The tile unit 10 is formed from a rectangular tilebody 11 from which a rectangular portion has been cut off. Consequently,an L-shaped tile unit 10 is provided. The tile unit 10 comprises a rearside 15, a front side 16 and six side edges. A surface layer 12 isarranged on the front side 16.

A first groove 13 a and a second groove 13 b are provided in the rearside 15 of the tile body 11. The first groove 13 a extends from one ofthe side edges to the corner where two other side edges meet. The secondgroove 13 b extends from another side edge to the corner where two sideedges meet. The grooves 13 a, 13 b may have any cross-sectional shape aspreviously described. The first groove 13 a divides the tile body 11into a first tile body section 11 a and a second tile body section 11 b.The second groove 13 b divides the tile body 11 into the second tilebody section 11 b and a third tile body section 11 c.

A first guide 14 a is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination ofthe first tile body section 11 a in relation to the second tile bodysection 11 b. A second guide 14 b is adapted to form a fold guidance forinclination of the third tile body section 11 c in relation to thesecond tile body section 11 b. The first and second guides 14 a, 14 bcomprise a crease and/or a profile. In order to improve the strength ofthe transition, it may be advantageous to provide a profile insertablein the grooves 13 a, 13 b.

In order to form a part of a box, which is shown in FIG. 8 b, the firstand third tile body sections 11 a, 11 c are inclined in relation to thesecond tile body section 11 b. Preferably, the tile body sections 11 a-care locked in this position by means of an angle bar 30. The remainingtwo side edges not being connected are attached to each other by usingfor example an adhesive and a filler material. Thereby, a part of a box10 having three sides is formed. The structure may be used to concealfor example a ventilation duct.

Even if a part of a box is described above, it is contemplated thatother three-dimensional structures may be formed as well.

When forming the inventive ceiling tile unit 10 described above withreference to FIGS. 1-8, a groove 13 is formed in the rear side of thetile body 11 dividing the tile unit 10 into a first tile body section 11a and a second tile body section 11 b. The groove 13 may be formedduring manufacturing of the ceiling tile unit 10 or in connection withthe mounting of the suspended ceiling 1. A guide is provided, adapted toform the fold guidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11a in relation to the second tile body section 11 b by folding about theaxis parallel to the groove 13. The guide 14 b may be provided duringmanufacturing or when mounting the suspended ceiling 1. For example, ifthe guide comprises a crease 22, the crease 22 may be formed duringmanufacturing of the tile unit 10 or when mounting the suspended ceiling1. If the guide 14 comprises a profile 21, the profile 21 may bearranged in the groove 13 in connection with the manufacturing of thetile unit 10, or may be placed in the groove 13 just before mounting thesuspended ceiling 1. Preferably, the first tile body section 11 a isinclined in relation to the second tile body section 11 b when the tileunit 10 is to be mounted as a suspended ceiling 1 and not duringmanufacturing of the tile unit 10.

Another aspect of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 9 a-b. In FIG. 9 a, a tile unit 10′ comprising a tilebody 11 and a surface layer 12 is shown. The tile unit 10′ may be aceiling tile unit. The tile body 11 comprises a rear side 15, a frontside 16 and four side edges 17, 18, 19, 20. The tile body 11 may be madeof compressed fibre material, such as mineral fibre, or morespecifically such as glass wool. A first portion 12 a of the surfacelayer 12 is arranged on the tile body 12. A second portion 12 b of thesurface layer 12 extends beyond the tile body 11. A guide 14 a isprovided, adapted to form a fold guidance for folding of the secondportion 12 b of the surface layer 12 in relation to the first portion 12a of the surface layer 12 by folding about an axis A being parallel tothe longitudinal extension of one side edge 18 of the tile body 11. Theguide 14 a may comprise a crease 22, preferably arranged in the side ofthe surface layer 12 facing the tile body 11. The guide 14 a maycomprise a profile 21 extending along one of the side edges of the tilebody 11. If the guide 14 is in form of a crease 22, the crease 22extends preferably along one of the side edges of the tile body 11adjacent said side edge. Preferably, an additional guide 14 b isprovided further dividing the second portion 12 b of the surface layer12. Preferably, the additional guide 14 b may be arranged at distancefrom the first guide 14 corresponding to the height of tile body 11 andextending along the same side edge 18.

In FIG. 9 b, the second portion 12 b of the surface layer 12 has beenfolded about the axis A parallel to the longitudinal extension of saidside edge 18. Thereby, the second portion 12 b of the surface layer 12is arranged on said side edge 18 of the tile body 11. In the figure, anadditional guide 14 b is provided, thereby allowing folding about asecond axis parallel to the longitudinal extension of said side edge 18.The second portion 12 b of the surface layer 12 is thereby completelycovering said side edge 18.

In the figure, the surface layer 12 has been folded about two side edges18, 20. A person skilled in the art will easily understand that a singleside edge may be covered by the surface layer 12, or that more than oneside edge may be covered by the surface layer 12.

By providing a tile body 11, arranging a surface layer 12 on a frontside 16 of the tile body 11, providing a guide 14 adapted to form a foldguidance for folding of a second portion 12 b of the surface layer 12 inrelation to a first portion 12 a of the surface layer 12 by foldingabout an axis A being parallel to the longitudinal extension of one sideedge 17, 18, 19, 20 of the tile body 11, folding the second portion 12 bof the surface layer 12 about said axis A in relation to the firstportion 12 a of the surface layer 12, a surface layer 12 b is formed onone of said side edges 17, 18, 19, 20 of the tile body 11.

This method may be used for applying a surface layer 12 to a side edge17, 18, 19, 20 during manufacturing of the tile unit 10′. It may also beused after a tile unit 10′ has been cut to fit a specific space whenmounting the suspended ceiling. Under some circumstances, the side edgeof the tile unit 10′ becomes visible and has to be covered by a surfacelayer 12. A portion of the tile body 11 is removed without removing oraffecting the surface layer 12, thereby forming a new side edge of thetile body 11. Then the surface layer 12 is folded about said side edgeof the tile body 11. Thereby, a side edge covered a surface layer 12 isformed. The surface layer 12 may for instance be a layer of paint.

A further embodiment is shown in cross-section in FIG. 10. The tile unit10 comprises as previously described a tile body 11, a surface layer 12,a groove and a guide 14. In this embodiment, the guide 14 is formed of aguide body 33 arranged in the groove 13. The guide body 33 is made of acompressible material. In one embodiment, the material may be a foamedmaterial, or any other material having resilient properties such asrubber. In another embodiment, the material may be compressed fibrematerial, such as mineral fibre and more specifically glass wool. Theguide body 33 guides the direction of the folding between the tile bodysections 11 a, 11 b, protects the surface layer 12 and relieves anyforces actuating on the surface layer 12. If the first tile body section11 a is inclined upwardly in relation to the second tile body section 11b, the guide body 33 is compressed, which is shown in FIG. 10. Contrary,if the first tile body section 11 b is to be inclined downwardly inrelation to the second tile body section 11 b, the guide body 33 isinserted in the groove such that the guide body 33 becomes pretensioned.When the first tile body section 11 a is inclined in relation to thesecond tile body section 11 b, the guide body 33 of the compressiblematerial expands from its pretensioned state (not shown). Alternatively,the guide body may be attached to the edges of the first and second tilebody sections facing the groove and may expand when the first and secondtile body sections are inclined in relation to each other (not shown).

The embodiment wherein the guide body 33 is made of mineral fibre willnow be described in more detail. The mineral fibre material of which thetile body 11 is formed is preferably orientated. Advantageously, thefibres of the tile body 11 are extending in a plane parallel to thesurface layer 12. The fibres of the guide body 33, made of mineral fibrematerial, forming the guide 14 are orientated such that the fibresextend in a plane being perpendicular to the surface layer 12.Consequently, the fibres of the guide body 33 of mineral fibre materialforming the guide 13 are extending in a plane being perpendicular to theplane in which the fibres of the tile body 11 extend. When the firsttile body section 11 a is inclined in relation to the second tile bodysection 11 b, the section 33 of mineral fibre material guides thefolding and protects and stabilise the surface layer 12. Depending ofthe angle between the first and second tile sections 11 a, 11 b, theguide body 33 of mineral fibre is either compressed or expanded asdescribed above.

In the above described embodiments, the guide body 33 is arranged in agroove 13 having a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the groovemay have a profiled shape, and the guide body 33 may have a shapecorresponding to the shape of the groove (not shown).

It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of theembodiments described herein, which are still within the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

In the above described embodiments, the guide is described as a crease,a profile or a material insertable in the groove. However, it iscontemplated that the guide may comprise any design adapted to guide theposition and direction of the folding between the first and second tilebody portions and to relieve the forces affecting the surface layer wheninclining the second tile body portion in relation the first tile bodyportion, for example a weakened portion of the surface layerfacilitating the folding of surface layer. Further, it is contemplatedthat the guide may comprise a portion of the surface layer beingreinforced such that the surface layer resists the forces formed wheninclining the first tile body section in relation to the second tilebody section without causing the surface layer to crack. It is alsocontemplated that the groove itself may form the guide, which is shownin FIGS. 11 a and 11 b. The tile unit in FIGS. 11 a-11 b is of the typepreviously described for example in connection to FIGS. 2 a-c except theguide 14. In this embodiment, the guide 14 is formed of the specificshape of the groove 13. The groove 13 comprises, in addition to aV-shaped upper part, a lower part 34. The lower part 34 of the groove isformed in the tile body adjacent the surface layer 12. Material isremoved from the tile body sections 11 a, 11 b such that convex surfacesare formed, facing the surface layer 12. The convex surfaces of thefirst and second tile body sections form a guide for a smooth transitionbetween the first and second body sections 11 a, 11 b when they areinclined in relation to each other (which is shown in FIG. 11 b).

It is further contemplated that the guide may comprise both a crease inthe surface layer and a profile insertable in the groove.

Both a profile having a circular and a rectangular cross-section hasbeen disclosed, but it is to be contemplated that a profile with anyother cross-sectional shape may be used. It is also contemplated thatthe profile may be formed as a curved sheet. The radius of the curve isadjusted to the desired radius of curvature of the inclined tile unit.The ends of the profile are inserted into grooves in the first andsecond tile body sections.

In the shown embodiments, the surface layer is arranged on the frontside of the tile body. It is contemplated that a surface layer may bearranged on rear side, and/or on the at least one side edge as well.

It is to be understood that the dimensions of the tile units shown inthe appended drawings are highly exaggerated in order to visualisedetails in the embodiments.

1. A ceiling tile unit, comprising a tile body made of mineral fibrematerial, a surface layer and a guide, the tile body having a frontside, a rear side and at least one side edge, the surface layer beingarranged on said front side of said tile body, wherein a groove isprovided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile bodyinto a first tile body section and a second tile body section, andwherein said guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination ofsaid first tile body section in relation to said second tile bodysection by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal extensionof said groove.
 2. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1, wherein theguide comprises a crease formed in said surface layer.
 3. A ceiling tileunit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide comprises a guide bodyof a compressible material, the guide body being adapted to be arrangedin the groove.
 4. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1, wherein theguide comprises a profile insertable in said groove.
 5. A ceiling tileunit according to claim 4, wherein the profile is at least partiallyenclosed by the tile body when inserted in said groove and when thefirst tile body section is inclined in relation to the second tile bodysection.
 6. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 4, wherein theprofile is included in a supporting system for supporting said tilebody.
 7. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein thesurface layer comprises a layer of paint.
 8. A ceiling tile unitaccording to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove has a depth correspondingto the thickness of the tile body.
 9. A ceiling tile unit according toclaim 1, further comprising an angle bar for locking the first tile bodysection in relation to the second tile body section in an inclinedposition.
 10. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 4, wherein theprofile comprises protrusions forming an angle bar.
 11. A ceiling tileunit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an additional grooveprovided in said rear side of said tile body, said groove and saidadditional groove dividing said tile body into said first tile bodysection, said second tile body section and a third tile body section,and wherein an additional guide is adapted to form a fold guidance forinclination of said third tile body section in relation to said firsttile body section by folding about an axis being parallel to saidadditional groove.
 12. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the groove has a square cross section and has a widthcorresponding to a thickness of the tile body.
 13. A suspended ceilingcomprising at least one ceiling tile unit, said at least one ceilingtile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, asurface layer and a guide, the tile body having a front side, a rearside and at least one side edge, the surface layer being arranged onsaid front side of said tile body, wherein a groove is provided in saidrear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tilebody section and a second tile body section, and wherein said guide isadapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile bodysection in relation to said second tile body section by folding about anaxis parallel to the longitudinal extension of said groove.
 14. Asuspended ceiling according to claim 13, wherein the guide comprises acrease formed in said surface layer.
 15. A suspended ceiling accordingto claim 13 or 14, wherein the guide comprises a guide body of acompressible material, the guide body being adapted to be arranged inthe groove.
 16. A suspended ceiling according to claim 13 or 14, whereinthe guide comprises a profile insertable in said groove.
 17. A methodfor forming a ceiling tile unit, comprising providing a ceiling tileunit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material and a surfacelayer, said tile body having a front side, a rear side and at least oneside edge, and said surface layer being arranged on said front side ofsaid tile body, forming a groove in said rear side of said tile bodydividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tilebody section, providing a guide adapted to form a fold guidance forinclination of said first tile body section in relation to said secondtile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinalextension of said groove.
 18. A method according to claim 17, furthercomprising inclining said first tile body section in relation to saidsecond tile body section about said axis.
 19. A ceiling tile unitaccording to claim 2, wherein the guide further comprises a profileinsertable in said groove.
 20. A ceiling tile unit according to claim19, wherein the profile is at least partially enclosed by the tile bodywhen inserted in said groove and when the first tile body section isinclined in relation to the second tile body section.
 21. A ceiling tileunit according to 19, wherein the profile is included in a supportingsystem for supporting said tile body.